Larry Joe O'Neal

Larry Joe O’Neal, 79, of New Palestine, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024. He was born on September 26, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Raymond Lee O’Neal and Sylvia Wanita (Bailey) O’Neal. Larry was the third of their fourteen children. 

Larry graduated from Manual High School in 1964 and went on to work for himself as a mechanic until he retired in the fall of 2023. He married Carolyn Sue Lockridge on July 27, 1964, and they had two children together.

If asked about his interests or hobbies Larry would always say that his family was his hobby.

He loved his family beyond anything else in this world.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He and his sister Peg took it upon themselves to be there for their siblings after the premature death of their own mother in 1966. He valued God and family above career, possessions, and even above himself.  Larry was a man of few words but when he gave you his word, he meant it.

When he built a home that had enough acreage he tried his hand at hobby farming with horses, cows and pigs. His favorite tv show was the Andy Griffith Show, and his favorite movie was Casablanca. He watched and rewatched both of those so often that his family could recite the lines. He also loved vacationing in Walt Disney World and taking the leisurely drive down to Orlando and back. Larry never wore jewelry as a mechanic and did not wear a watch or use an alarm clock, computer or a smart phone.  Yet, you could always count on him no matter when you needed him or for what you needed him.

He is survived by his children; Robin Novicki and Michael (Claire) O’Neal, his grandchildren; Nate (Timy) Novicki, Emily Novicki, Sarah (Kyle) Finley, Isaac O’Neal, Jacob O’Neal, and the newest addition to his family is his great-granddaughter, Winnie Novicki.

He is also survived by his siblings Garry (Charlotte) O’Neal, Peggy (Bill) Fox, Patti Webster, Mollie O’Neal-Aloiz, Andy O’Neal, Cindy O’Neal, Julie (Chuck) Boyce, Kerry O’Neal, Laura    (Bob) Montgomery. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carolyn, his siblings Barry O’Neal, Linda Negley, Terry O’Neal, and Randy O’Neal.

Last year at Larry’s retirement party, all of his family came together to celebrate and many of his friends and customers attended out of love and appreciation for him personally and professionally. All will miss him.    

A memorial service will be held 2pm Saturday, January 4, 2024 at Lauck and Veldhof Funeral Home. A memorial gathering will take place from Noon until time of service. 

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